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Colin Calderwood confirmed as Aston Villa assistant

Aston Villa have announced the appointment of Colin Calderwood as the club’s new assistant manager.

Former Villa defender Calderwood, 51, recently quit his role as number two to Chris Hughton at Brighton and has teamed up with Steve Bruce after the two clubs agreed a compensation package.

“I’m delighted to bring Colin to the football club,” Bruce told Villa’s official website. “When I heard Colin was interested he shot to the top of the pile.

“We’ve got an experienced guy and a good football man. It was important for me to get someone of his nous.

“When I heard Colin was interested he shot to the top of the pile. We interviewed two or three people.

“But once I knew Colin was available there was only one person I wanted here.”

Brighton boss Hughton had expressed his surprise and disappointment at Calderwood’s departure after Friday night’s 1-1 draw between the two sides at the AMEX Stadium.

The Seagulls had insisted on Calderwood serving a lengthy notice period had they not received satisfactory compensation from Villa.

The south-coast club said in a statement on their official website: “Brighton & Hove Albion confirmed they agreed a compensation package with Aston Villa, shortly ahead of (Friday night’s) match, allowing for Colin Calderwood’s release from his notice period this weekend.

“The club would like to thank Colin for his service since February 2015 and to wish him well for the future.

“Brighton & Hove Albion will now look to finalise its recruitment process for a new assistant manager.”

Scot Calderwood, who spent just under two years as Hughton’s assistant, joins Stephen Clemence and Gary Walsh on Bruce’s backroom staff.

The former Swindon, Tottenham, Villa and Nottingham Forest defender was capped 36 times by Scotland and has had spells as manager of Northampton, Forest and Hibernian.